Editorial: Be careful on roads during holiday weekend

An enhanced police presence is welcome, but motorists should know to do the right things.

The Issue:

Heavy traffic and many parties involving alcohol can make for a toxic combination.

Our Opinion:

An enhanced police presence is welcome, but motorists should know to do the right things.

It's Memorial Day weekend. The most important aspect of this occasion is solemn recollection of men and women who gave their lives in service to their country. It's also the kickoff to the summer travel and leisure season.

Each of us should take some time to acknowledge the holiday's true significance. But there's no shame in having fun on this long weekend. The key is to do so safely.

One of the biggest issues is making sure people get to and from their destinations without incident. This year AAA is predicting 37.6 million people will be hitting the roads over the long weekend. The heavy traffic volume combined with many festivities involving alcohol makes this a particularly dangerous time.

Last Memorial Day weekend, state police in Reading-based Troop L investigated 39 crashes involving 22 injuries in all. Three of the accidents were alcohol-related.

Fortunately, police in the area are well aware of the potential for danger and are taking action to encourage safe practices among motorists.

State police are stepping up enforcement. Motorists should keep in mind the results of such efforts a year ago. There were 39 arrests for drunken driving and 972 speeding citations issued by Troop L.

Police from local departments will be active as well, with enforcement details planned throughout the weekend.

Ideally, it should not take the threat of being pulled over to get people to drive safely and avoid getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, however, sometimes that's what it takes.

So fasten your seat belts, avoid speeding and other forms of aggressive driving, and make sure that someone sober is behind the wheel when you travel. The alternative is to risk starting the summer with a bitter memory, or something much worse.